If you’re looking for an irresistibly festive treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, the Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These adorable mini brownies topped with vibrant green frosting and colorful sprinkles are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite. They combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a playful holiday twist, making them perfect for parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights by the fire. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe, it will become a staple in your holiday dessert lineup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these charming brownie bites lies in simple, yet essential ingredients that come together to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the fudgy base to the decorative frosting and fun toppings.
- 1 box (18.4 oz) fudge brownie mix: The foundation that ensures rich, moist brownies with minimal effort.
- Eggs, oil, and water (as listed on the brownie mix box): Standard binders that give structure and tenderness to the brownies.
- 1 cup green-tinted vanilla frosting: Adds creamy sweetness and the perfect Christmas tree look.
- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms or rainbow sprinkles: Provide festive pops of color like treasured ornaments.
- 12 small candy canes (cut into 1-inch pieces): These create the charming tree trunks, adding a hint of peppermint flavor.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the mini muffins easy to remove and looking flawless.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to reach the perfect baking temperature. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help your brownies come out smoothly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Follow the instructions on your brownie mix box, combining the fudge brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed. Mixing until just combined ensures your brownies stay moist and fudgy without overworking the batter.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon the brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full. This allows space for the brownies to rise without overflowing. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool the brownie bites in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—a crucial step to keep your frosting neat and stable.
Step 4: Decorate to Look Like Christmas Trees
Once the brownies are completely cool, pipe the green-tinted vanilla frosting in a swirling pattern on top of each bite, mimicking the branches of a Christmas tree. Next, decorate with mini M&Ms or rainbow sprinkles as festive ornaments. Finally, insert a 1-inch candy cane piece into the base of each brownie bite to form the tree trunk. This finishing touch adds both visual appeal and a nostalgic peppermint crunch.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can add an extra festive flair to your Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe. If you want a little more texture and flavor, consider adding crushed peppermint candies on top for that classic holiday crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownie bites with a glass of cold milk, a warming cup of hot cocoa, or even a spiced chai latte to complement the rich chocolate flavor. For a party platter, include fresh fruit slices or a bowl of whipped cream alongside for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the brownie bites on a platter shaped like a Christmas tree, or stand them up on skewers inserted into a foam base for an edible “tree” centerpiece. Wrapping them in colorful cellophane or placing them in festive cupcake liners makes them perfect gifts or party favors that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas Tree Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and fresh. If your environment is warm, refrigeration is a good option but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These brownie bites freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before decorating or serving.
Reheating
If you want warm brownie bites, gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the fudgy texture intact. Reheat after decorating with frosting for best presentation and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the brownie batter from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! While this Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe is designed for convenience with boxed mix, homemade brownie batter works just as well and can add a more personalized touch.
What can I use if I don’t have green food coloring for the frosting?
You can omit the food coloring for a natural white frosted look or try alternative natural dyes like spinach powder or matcha to achieve a green hue.
Are there alternatives to candy cane pieces for the tree trunks?
Sure! Pretzel sticks, mini wafer rolls, or small biscuit sticks all make charming tree trunks and offer a different flavor and texture.
How do I make sure the frosting stays on the brownies without melting?
Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting. You can also chill the brownies for 20-30 minutes before decorating to create a firm base that holds the frosting nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! The Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it a perfect treat for vegetarian guests during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing handmade treats during the holidays, and this Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe brings that joy in the most delicious, playful way. Whether you’re baking with family, surprising friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these tiny festive brownies are sure to bring smiles all around. Go ahead and bake up a batch—you might just find yourself starting a new holiday tradition!
Print
Christmas Tree Brownie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Tree Brownie Bites are festive mini desserts perfect for holiday parties. Made with fudgy brownie batter baked in a mini muffin tin, they’re topped with green vanilla frosting piped to look like Christmas trees, adorned with colorful sprinkles, and rooted with a cute candy cane trunk. Easy to make and irresistibly adorable, these bites bring cheer to any gathering.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box (18.4 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Decorations
- 1 cup green-tinted vanilla frosting
- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms or rainbow sprinkles
- 12 small candy canes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions, combining the mix with the required eggs, oil, and water.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Brownie Bites: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring they are fully cooked but moist.
- Cool Brownies: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Pipe Frosting: Once cooled, use a piping bag or a spoon to swirl the green-tinted vanilla frosting on top of each brownie bite, shaping it like a Christmas tree.
- Decorate Trees: Add mini M&Ms or rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosting to represent ornaments, distributing evenly.
- Add Tree Trunks: Insert a 1-inch candy cane piece into the bottom of each brownie bite to serve as the trunk of the Christmas tree.
- Serve: Arrange your decorated Christmas Tree Brownie Bites on a platter and enjoy this festive treat with family and friends.
Notes
- You can substitute the boxed brownie mix for homemade brownie batter if preferred for a more personalized flavor.
- Store leftover brownie bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For cleaner frosting edges and easier decorating, chill the brownies briefly before applying frosting.
